The cost of living in Thailand's top expat cities, side by side. We use one standardised "comfortable single" basket so the comparison is genuinely apples-to-apples — then you pick the cities and the currency.
Each city uses the same "comfortable single" basket: a one-bedroom rental, mixed dining, transport, utilities and internet, health insurance, and a leisure allowance. Same lifestyle, different cities — so the totals are directly comparable.
These are standardised planning figures, so they won't exactly match the Cost of Living tool (which tailors to your exact choices).
Sources: thethaiger.com, expatistan.com, expatden.com, iamkohchang.com (2025–2026).
Slightly — overall cost is similar, but Pattaya rent typically runs a bit lower while food and lifestyle are comparable.
Chiang Mai, usually 20–30% below Bangkok, then Pattaya, then Bangkok, with Phuket dearest.
Yes — higher rents and restaurant prices make Phuket the priciest of the four for a comparable lifestyle.
The capital's costs, visas, areas and weather.
The island's costs, visas, areas and seasons.
Cheaper island living and upside-down seasons.
The cheapest hub — and the burning-season caveat.
Calm royal beach town — retirees, golf, driest coast.
Andaman beaches and climbing, cheaper than Phuket.
Tailor a Pattaya budget to your exact life.
Wherever you land — find your visa.
Read the full Pattaya guides.